Mouth Cancer Awareness.

We all know a lot more about mouth cancer now that Hollywood actor Michael Douglas has been diagnosed with the disease. The earlier you catch it, the better. 

Mouth cancer causes a death every five hours in the UK – but it's one of the least well-known cancers. According to the British Dental Health Foundation, many people had no idea it existed – until now.

Catch it early

The earlier the disease is caught, the better. Survival rates rise to 90 per cent if the cancer is treated before it has spread.

Sadly, the survival rates for this disease have not increased over the last 40 years because symptoms are often picked up too late. In fact, over two thirds of cases are picked up at late stage.

Medical practitioners may also miss important signs. Michael Douglas went to frequent appointments complaining of pain in his throat and ear. But doctors failed to pick up the cancer, which was in the back of his throat.

What you are looking for is red or white patches on the tongue or an ulcer that doesn't heal within three weeks. Other symptoms include unusual lumps anywhere on the head or neck.

Risk factors

Mouth cancer is on the increase, and people affected by it are getting younger – although most people affected are still over 40.

Tobacco is considered to be the main cause of mouth cancer, with three in four cases being linked to smoking.

Michael Douglas had a 'half a pack a day' habit until he quit the habit for good several years ago.

Drinking in excess is also a known factor, with those who both smoke and drink excessively being up 30 times more likely to be at risk.

More recently, it has also been associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection.

Other risk factors include a poor diet. Research has shown that an increased intake of fish, vegetables, fruit and eggs can help lower risks of cancer.

In the past, it was predominantly a male disease. But now the number of women with mouth cancer is growing because their smoking and drinking habits have changed.

'Thirty years ago, mouth cancer was five times more common in men than women. Now it's only twice as common in men as in women,' says Dr Carter.

Diagnosis

Most diagnosis is done after a visual examination, followed by a tissue biopsy.

A new swab test, which will look for tell-tale signs of low levels of certain chemicals in the saliva, is still in the development stage. But it should help to make diagnosis easier in future.

Scientists at the University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry published their exciting findings in the October 2009 issue of the Chemical Cancer Journal.

What's the treatment?

Once the disease has been diagnosed, it can be treated with a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy – as well as surgery, either a partial or complete laryngectomy, which can cause voice changes or the loss of voice completely.

'This case shows just how devastating and life-changing mouth or oral cancer can be, and it really is vital the public know what to do if they spot a problem,' adds Dr Carter.

But everyone agrees that the best thing is to avoid the problem in the first place.

Regular trips to the dentist are a must because half of all mouth cancer cases are detected by dentists.

'Every time you see a dentist, you should get a thorough examination of the soft tissue of the mouth as a matter of course,' says Dr Carter.

'The dentist will be able to spot any tell-tale signs and refer you to a specialist for further examinations.'

Horoscope Element - Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

Cancer - June 23rd to July 22nd

The crab carries its own house with it. It will also move sideways instead of in a straight line, and although a crab cannot really hurt you with its claws, it can hang on very tightly to something it wants.

A typical Cancer person is home-loving and fond of his family. At the same time he is often quite subtle in his behaviour and may approach people and situations indirectly if he cannot get what he wants by going straight forward. And when he loves someone or has something which makes him happy, he will hang on very tightly and not let go.

Cancer people want to be needed, and it is important to them to be around people who love them and help them to feel secure. They are also often shy and sensitive, but they can be brave and courageous about protecting their friends and loved ones. Many Cancer people also have wonderful imaginations, and can create fine stories and paintings.

Cancer people have a deep, mysterious, gentle quality which makes them think of gazing into a cool, deep pool or into the flowing waters of a river. 

People with a dominance of Cancer in their horoscope feel good when they are close to their family and feel safe and secure in a warm, happy home.

Scorpio - October 23rd to November 22nd

The scorpion is a solitary little animal which likes to hide under stones. He can be dangerous, but he is never aggressive by himself and will only harm someone if he is disturbed. The scorpion is a good symbol to represent those born under this sign because Scorpio people usually need plenty of time by themselves to think deeply about things they feel.

Scorpio people are sometimes very quiet, shy and sensitive and like to keep secrets. They can feel things very intensely. Scorpio people are also often very good at seeing the good and bad points in other people. The most important thing for Scorpio is self-understanding. They are not afraid to try things other people are frightened of, if it will help them to learn more about themselves. At the same time, they do not like to be taken advantage of or injured, and many Scorpio people have a very strong sense of justice. This can make life difficult for Scorpio children if they think they are being unfairly punished. Scorpio children are often much wiser and more understanding than other children, so they should always be given reasons when they are told to do something.

Many Scorpio people are good at things which require deep thought and understanding, like psychology. Some of them become fine doctors and surgeons, because they are interested in the mysteries of life and like to heal.

Scorpio's special gifts are their insight and sensitivity, and their strength of will, which can achieve anything in life.

Pisces - February 21st to March 19th 

Life under the sea is very different from life on land, and the fishes live in a world where there are many secret and hidden things, mysteries and strange beauties. They are also graceful creatures who swim and glide through the gentle currents of water.

Pisces in the horoscope often shows people who seem to flow through life in a graceful way. They love music and poetry and frequently daydream. They often have a private inner world which is a very special and precious place to them, but they can be deeply compassionate towards other people who are unhappy.

Other people sometimes find Pisces hard to understand, because they feel so deeply and see many things in life which they cannot share with more practical types. They love the magic and mystery of the ocean, and wild, unspoilt scenery. They often need to be on their own, but always return to the company of others, for they are happiest when they have someone or something to be devoted to. There is a great deal of love in Pisces people. Many Pisces people become writers, artists and musicians. In addition, Pisces people are often deeply religious.